Recommendations for solar panel.

[ghostlymoron]

That's very similar to my estimate.

According to Nigel Calder "I like to work on the relatively conservative assumption that on average I will get the equivalent of four hours of full-rated output a day".

 

[ghostlymoron]

What does 'kit form' mean relative to solar panels?

I used a company called photouniverse .Solar panels well priced and can buy in kit form. Very good web page. Lots of choice and info ,Hope this helps.

 

[blxm]

I used a company called photouniverse .Solar panels well priced and can buy in kit form. Very good web page. Lots of choice and info ,Hope this helps.

Excellent. Just what I was looking for. Thanks.

 

[ghostlymoron]

Do You Mean photonic? http://www.photonicuniverse.com/en/catalog/list/category/flex-kits

 

[PaulRainbow]

I think that's a fair assumption but in practice we rarely see 1.45kw (360w panels) in a day as the batteries reach float and the controller shuts down the output.

I.e. when the sun really shines you never get to use it all as you simply can't store the energy. However I have been surprised how much can be generated on an overcast day.

I may have missed it in a previous post, what batteries do you have ? I only have two 110ah batteries in my domestic bank, but they seem adequate most of the time. When i'm in the marina i keep the engine battery paralleled too, so i have 330ah. On really Sunny days my controllers shut right down, same as you, but that doesn't happen often, probably not often enough to justify another battery. I plan to fit some additional panels next season, so i'll add an appropriate amount of extra storage at that time.

 

[jellidreamer]

Yes many apologies photoniciverse. You found their web site . Very helpful if you get stuck with installation as well.Buying as a kit is cheaper ie panel / control box/cable/meter.

 

[ghostlymoron]

I think buying from Lensum would be a bit cheaper but the photonic controller has the advantage of being able to charge 2 batteries independantly and the panel is a back contact type which they say is more efficient. Worth a try.

 

[gregcope]

When going down this route I bought a cheap ebay 69w panel from green giant.
6 years of faultless (that's done it) working but am boosting soon with 2x 60w panels mounted on guard wires.
I hope 180w will suffice as running out of boat to put them.
Another consideration will be battery size. Bigger batteries give longer life as not discharging so much between charges.

Are you planning to add the 2x60 as solar spray Dodgers?

 

[gregcope]

I think buying from Lensum would be a bit cheaper but the photonic controller has the advantage of being able to charge 2 batteries independantly and the panel is a back contact type which they say is more efficient. Worth a try.

The black lensun panels are back contact type. I expect these to become the norm, as it boosts efficiency a few %

 

[GHA]

I have a lensun 100W and happy with it. It has lasted one season ok.
..

And a review...

https://youtu.be/kVInRQJMtzU

 

[dunedin]

Do You Mean photonic? http://www.photonicuniverse.com/en/catalog/list/category/flex-kits

We used them and so far happy with them. But check prices via eBay and/or Amazon - was slightly cheaper for us buying via eBay than their own direct website (though the same product shipped by the same company)